Ponggal circular to address Muslim parents’ concern, says Education Ministry

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 15 Jan 2020 12:22PM · 14 Comments

A Hindu priest praying during the Ponggal festival in Cameron Highlands, Pahang on January 16, 2018. The Education Ministry has clarified that a circular saying Muslims should not participate in the festival was issued after parents expressed concern about their children's participation. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, January 15, 2020.

THE Education Ministry issued a circular on the celebration of Ponggal after some Muslim parents had expressed concern about their children’s participation in the event at schools.

In a statement, the ministry said the circular was intended to alleviate Muslim parents’ anxiety over the celebration in schools and not to prevent schools from celebrating Ponggal.

In issuing the circular, the ministry said it took into account the Federal Islamic Development Board’s (Jakim) stand and guideline on the matter.

“The ministry is aware schools are places to foster unity among the country’s multiracial pupils. The culture and traditions among the various races has to be learnt and appreciated by everyone including the school administration, teachers and pupils,” it said in a statement today.

The circular had gone viral yesterday with many questioning the ministry’s decision as Ponggal is a cultural festival meant to give thanks for a good harvest rather than being Hindu in nature.

The circular dated January 13 was issued to all state education department directors ahead of the festival today.

It was signed by Education deputy director-general Adzman Talib, who said Ponggal is celebrated by Hindus and, as such, Muslims are not allowed to participate.

It created an outcry and Human Resources Minister M. Kula Segaran had said he will raise it at today’s cabinet meeting.

“I refer to the circular that is going viral about the Ponggal harvest festival.

“It is incorrect to label the festival as religious, as it has no religious significance,” Kula Segaran said last night.

“The aim of Ponggal is to foster unity among Tamils for the preservation of the culture and literature.

“It also aims to uplift the community and their future generations. I will bring this up to cabinet tomorrow in order to clarify matters,” the Ipoh Barat MP added. 

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo issued a similar statement today.

Malaysian Hindu Sangam president R.S. Mohan Shan, meanwhile, also said the event is to mark the end of harvest and is a cultural event.

“There is nothing wrong (with celebrating Ponggal). It is a cultural thing and everyone can come and join. It is not a religious event,” he said yesterday.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia academic Prof Denison Jayasooria said the action taken by Jakim was insensitive and unconstitutional.

“Not just the Hindus, but the Christians celebrate Ponggal too. It is a way to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest,” he said.

“As a multiracial country, we should be open-minded and tolerant,” he added.

He said the festival should not be made into an issue, adding that Jakim should learn how to appreciate why such a festival is being celebrated.

Denison said other religions and cultures are also protected under the constitution.

“There are differences but other religions should not act above the others to say what is wrong or what is not wrong,” he said. – January 15, 2020.

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Comments

  • Basically our MOE is just pandering to a few radical parents. The deputy DG may as well quit and let these parents run the show in MOE then. What stupid explanation is this?

    Posted 4 years ago by Elyse Gim · Reply

  • "some Muslim parents?". Amazing. How some muslim parents can dictate terms to MOE in the Lantern & Ponggal issue. Does not MOE have any right thinking people? It's time to make MOE a multi-racial ministry.

    Posted 4 years ago by Sidney Karan · Reply

  • "some Muslim parents". How on earth can this person be sitting as deputy DG of MOE. Amazing.

    Posted 4 years ago by Sidney Karan · Reply

  • Government should just close JAKIM down because this racist organization is dibiding the nation. And Mujahid should be reassigned to another Ministry.

    Posted 4 years ago by Panchen Low · Reply

  • What about using schools as abattoirs during Hari Raya Haji, you rascist buffoons? You have no circulars or memos issued then when non-muslims especially students who pass by the school to witness such gruesome acts?

    Posted 4 years ago by Francis Anthony · Reply

  • The justification is inconsistent with content of circular, just like previous cases such as the medan dakwah issue... Changing the education minister will not change the entrenched prejudices & racism...

    Posted 4 years ago by A Subscriber · Reply

  • Parents express concern?...justify the % la fanatic politicians, jakim and the so called shariah experts...don't bull shit.

    Posted 4 years ago by Maniraju Maruthai · Reply

  • There are fanatic morons in MOE...who know nothing and refuse to respect another human being, their culture & traditions and wanted every other Muslims alike them to be narrow minded and ignorant of all developments around the globe...

    Posted 4 years ago by Maniraju Maruthai · Reply

  • State rulers should resume the role of Islamic heads and take charge of the religion. When there is no politic involved, it is easier to make Islam a friendly religion admired by all.

    Posted 4 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • As usuai there is always A Way Out later (Stupid Excuse)...... Sad !!! Msia Boleh indefinitely. May Be Another 60 years come NEW MALAYSIA

    Posted 4 years ago by Thaisan Chants · Reply

  • As usuai there is always A Way Out later (Stupid Excuse)...... Sad !!! Msia Boleh indefinitely. May Be Another 60 years come NEW MALAYSIA

    Posted 4 years ago by Thaisan Chants · Reply

  • As usuai there is always A Way Out later (Stupid Excuse)...... Sad !!! Msia Boleh indefinitely. May Be Another 60 years come NEW MALAYSIA

    Posted 4 years ago by Thaisan Chants · Reply

  • JAKIM is an organisation set up to divide our people. Instead of funding JAKIM by the billions, the government should shut it down.

    Posted 4 years ago by Rupert Lum · Reply

  • Just forget it...this country is going in the wrong direction with these racists doing what they want.

    Posted 4 years ago by Lipdah Lia · Reply